HALLSBORO — A Columbus County man was airlifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center early Wednesday after deputies say he was intentionally struck by a vehicle and robbed of a handgun outside a rural church.
According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to Pleasant Plains Baptist Church around 1:47 a.m., where they found Joshua Allyn Priest, 38, injured near the property.
Priest told investigators he was deliberately hit by the driver of a vehicle, who then stole his Ruger handgun valued at $1,100 before fleeing the scene. Deputies secured the area and requested AirLink for emergency transport due to the severity of his injuries.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the case is being investigated as felony assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery. Detectives are working to identify the suspect and vehicle involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office or Crimestoppers at (910) 642‑6556.
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